How to Check Yourself for Breast Cancer

Once a month from age 20 (At this early age, any small lumps are probably just normal breast glands and ducts, so it is easier to tell if any new lumps appear.

Check your breasts a few days after your period when your breasts aren't so sore. If you don't have periods or if they come at varying times, check your breasts at the same time every month.

How do I check for lumps?
Start by standing in front of a mirror. Look at your breasts with your arms at your side, with your arms raised behind your head, and with your arms on your hips and your chest muscles flexed.

Next, lie down with a pillow under your left shoulder. Put your left hand behind your head and feel your left breast with the pads of the 3 middle fingers on your right hand. Start at the outer edge and work around your breast in circles, getting closer to your nipple with each circle. After you've finished checking your breast, squeeze your nipple gently and look for discharge (fluid coming out of the nipple).

Do the same thing to your right breast with a pillow under your right shoulder.

Be sure to include the area up to your collarbone and out to your armpit. You have lymph nodes in this area. Cancer can spread to lymph node tissue.

Changes to look for in your breasts

Any new lump (which may or may not be painful or tender)

Unusual thickening of your breasts

Sticky or bloody discharge from your nipples

Any changes in the skin of your nipples or breasts, such as puckering or dimpling